The Sefer Pele Yoetz writes in the name of the Arizal that one who is
truly joyful on Sukkos, and does not allow himself to be pained, is
assured that he will have a good year and will merit constant joy. The
Pele Yoetz writes that one can attain this level of joy by reflecting upon
how fortunate he is to be so different from all other creations in the
universe, by having the opportunity to be close to Hashem through the
study of Torah and the performance of Mitzvos.
The Rambam at the end of Hilchos Lulav (8:15), explains that the
euphoria we should experience on Sukkos is an inner joy which is rooted in
the depths of the heart:
“The joy that a person should experience in doing a Mitzvah and in
his love of Hashem who so commanded is a great Avodah; and one who does
not allow himself to feel this joy [does not follow the Torah’s
directive] to be joyful and good of heart…and the only true greatness and
honor is to rejoice before Hashem, as Dovid HaMelech did in dancing
before the Aron HaKodesh...”
The Simcha we experience on Sukkos is an anomaly to the rest of the
world, which equates joy with fun. Our happiness is “Yismichu
B’Malchusicha”--the joy of our soul in its closeness to Hashem and in our
ruchniyus--tangibly experiencing a sublime, inspiring, spiritual purpose
in life!
from Hakhel email
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